Top Attractions and Activities in Errigal, Donegal

You don’t have to get all the way to the top if you don’t want to but you can’t ignore the looming Mount Errigal bearing down on the hostel as a constant reminder of its challenge!

For something a little less hardcore, you can always visit Dunlewley Centre across the road from the hostel, organise a walk around Glenveagh National Park and, if the weather’s good, the seaside village of Bunbeg is only 10 minutes drive away!

1. EcoAdventure Ireland (For Groups of 10+ people!)

Get ready for adventures!

EcoAdventure Ireland is Ireland's foremost outdoor adventure and education organisation offering groups of all ages excitement, adventures and thrills.

Got a group and want to organise some outdoor adventure activities for everyone? Well, EcoAdventure Ireland have another branch in their popular chain of adventure centres at our Donegal Hostel in Errigal and offer the best rates around for group adventure activities!

Activities include: pony trekking, paintball shooting gallery, mountain biking, trail riding, archery, team tasks, survival training, target shooting, low ropes and much more! Visit www.ecoadventureireland.ie for further details and to book in for our overnight rates!

The EcoAdventure Ireland comes to you! Activities are done on and near the grounds of Errigal Hostel.

2. The Glenveagh National Park

The heart of the Derryveagh Mountains

With mountains, lakes, glens and woods, with a herd of red deer over the 16,540 hectares (40,873 acres) this park is very impressive! A 19th century Scottish style castle is surrounded by one of the finest Gardens in Ireland, which contrasts with the rugged surroundings. You can take an audio-visual show of the exhibitions and the Visitor Centre houses. There are guided tours available lasting from 1 to 5 hours.

Use your Hostelling International Membership card to receive discounts in the following 3 attractions!

3. Dunlewey Visitors Centre

Traces of the last century

Located on the shores of Dunlewey Lough in the shadow of the mysterious Poison Glen (complete with its own ghost!). There is a vertitable list of things to do at the centre including a Restaurant & Tea Room, Craft Shop, Adventure play area, Historic homestead guided visit, Tweed weaving demonstration and enjoy some Ceol Traidisiunta  (Traditional Music) too! There’s also an Audio-Visual show on Dunlewey, Lakeside walks, Boat cruise on Dunlewey Lake (with story-telling), Farmyard Animals to feed, Pony & Trap to rent or if you prefer to take the reins yourself, there’s also Pony riding. The Dunlewey Centre offers 20% off all tours for all members.

4. Donegal Castle (1 1/2 hour drive from the hostel)

A step back to the 15^th century

 Built by the O'Donnell chieftain, known in the history books as Red Hugh O'Donnell in the 15th century, beside the River Eske and located in Donegal town, this is a smaller castle which has been lovingly restored.  If you’ve any interest in history or how they lived in the past, this is a must-see attraction. All members are entitled to group rates.

5. Glebe House & Gallery

Marvellous paintings and works

 Built in 1828, Regency House is set in woodland gardens. An art-lover’s delight, it is decorated with William Morris textiles, Islamic and Japanese art. The collection includes 300 works by leading 20th century artists including Picasso and Kokoshka. All members are entitled to group rates.

6. Errigal Mountain

Walking and Hiking in Errigals great surrounding!

At 751 metres (2,464 ft) this mountain near Gwedore is the tallest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains. It's the tallest peak in County Donegal. Errigal is well-known for the pinkish glow of its quartzite in the setting sun. Also experience the ever-changing shape of the mountain depending on what direction you view it from. Errigal was voted 'Ireland's Most Iconic Mountain' by Walking and Hiking in 2009. Take the challenge and head up to the top! But just to be sure - a hike to the top will take about 4 hours!

7. The Poisoned Glen

Impressive nature and breathtaking views

The Poisoned Glen lies right at the foot of Errigal. The views whether from above looking down into the valley and over Lough Dunlewey, or below looking upwards at the imposing mountain beind are stunning and absolutely breathtaking.

8. Kayaking

Just grab your paddles and off you go!

Based close to Carrickfinn in North West Donegal - head out to the Atlantic and challenge yourself kayaking on the ocean waters. Alternatively, you can opt for Canadian Canoes on the river. Our experienced guides are there with you all the time to maintain safety and help if any problems arise. Experience the fun and enjoyment of kayaking or canoeing in the beautiful scenic area of the Rosses. You can choose 1/2 day sit-on kayaking tours, sit-on kayaking trips and open canoe journeys. This books up quickly - especially for July and August so get your booking in early.

9. The Tory Island Ferry

Exploring Tory Island

We will take you from the picturesque harbours of Bunbeg and Magheroarty to Tory Island. Travel with Turasma in safety and comfort and see the beautiful North West Donegal coastline -  Magheroarty Bay. Gweedore Bay, Bloody Foreland, Horn Head, Inisbofin, Gola Island, Inismeáin, Inis Oithear and the magical isle of Tory - Toraigh na dTonn. See the famours Tory painters at work above all have your very own audience with the King of Tory - Rí an Oileain. This King has no formal power, but is chosen by consensus of the islanders to represent the community!

10. Slieve League Cliffs (1 1/2 hours drive from hostel)

Go hiking if you are brave enough!

The Slieve League (Grey Mountain) cliffs, situated in the West coast of Donegal, are said to be the highest and one of the finest marine cliffs in Europe with a three hundred metre drop straight down into the wild, Atlantic waves below. If it's just a place for a dramatic picnic or a full day's hiking - then this is the place to come! One is advised to leave one's car and walk the 2-3 km to the cliffs so as not to miss the exciting scenrey of the area. There are terrific views of the sea and the Sligo Mountains to be seen. Donegal Bay can be clearly seen as you walk towards the terrifying high top of Slieve League and there is a small lake at eye level. A short walk will take you to the right of the amazing cliff face of Bunglas which rises over 306 m above the raging ocean. One Man's Path will take you to the summit of Slieve League but the climb must be approached with extreme caution as it is very dangerous! You have been warned!

11. JAWS

Surfing, Sailing, Standup Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Windsurfing

Jaws Watersports in County Donegal was established in 2005 and since then is Dunfanaghy's original surfing and watersports provider. JAWS Watersports was the idea of local surfer and waterman Donald Craig run by very experienced surfers.
Here you can do Surfing, Sailing, Standup Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Windsurfing!

12. Ards Forest Park

Perfect for geologists, historians and lovers of beauty

As well as being one of the most beautiful, Ards is certainly the most varied of Ireland's forest parks. Bays, rivers, loughs, beaches, salt marshes, valleys, viewing points, deer enclosures and historic monuments are woven together by a series of fascinating nature trails. Largely canopied by splendid deciduous and coniferous trees which clothe the 481ha former estate of the Stewart family, the park is capable of providing days, rather than hours, of enjoyment. Its appeal embraces the stroller, ornithologist, geologist, botanist, historian, children, and lovers of beauty in all its forms. There is a good map at the car park which indicates the various trails and major attractions.

13. Arranmore Island

Enjoy its great atmosphere and charm!

Why not pay a visit to Árainn Mhór to enjoy a place apart. The ferry runs all year from Burtonport making day trips a must and longer visits a well deserved treat. Savour the beautiful and untamed landscape, Gaelic culture, quiet country roads with abundant wildlife, turf fires and lively pubs.

14. Horn Head

Probably the most dramatic of Donegals peninsulas

Horn Head is a peninsula and forms part of Sheephaven Bay. Hord Head cliffs rise straight out of the water to a height of about 180m on the ocean side. They are an internationally important colony for breeding seabirds and designated a Special Area of Conservation. Enjoy this beautiful peninsula with its stunning nature!

Beaches

There are 12 beaches in County Donegal which are designated as Blue Flag Beaches (that indicates that is has high standards in safety and qulity)

Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Narin, Killyhoey, Portsalon, Lisfannon, Culdaff, Stroove, Carrickfinn and Marble Hill, Maghergallon Beach and MagherClocher

Carrickfinn is an extensive sandy beach with a good dune system. It it located off the R266. Head towards Donegal Airport and watch for signs!

Marble Hill Beach is a beautiful sandy beach in a rural environment. You can find many types of flowers and bird species there. It can be reached by taking the N56 north east from Cloghaneely towards Portnablagh.

Nightlife and Eating out

Leo's Restaurant/Pub (15 mins drive from hostel) - Home of the famous musicians Enya and Clannad. This pub provides nightly music ranging from traditional Irish music to ballad sessions.

Teach Billy's in Gortahork is 10 minutes drive from the hostel and has a great irish traditional session on every Tuesday after 10pm

Mc Geady's pub, Dunlewey is only two minutes walk from hostel! 

Sean Og's pub in Bunbeg (10-15 minutes drive) has got a really tasty bar food!

(Food served from 12.30-9pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday until the end of June, then served all week)

In fact, music sessions in Tábhairne Leo can be seen and heard on this BBC link!

But not forgetting Huidi Beags Pub in Bunbeg (10 minutes drive from hostel) which has traditional Irish music every Monday and Friday night from 10.00pm onwards all year round. This is alleged to be one of the best sessions in the country and not one to miss!